Who are the Pincipal, First and Second Sojourners ?

The term sojourner derives from biblical usage denoting a person living outside his native country, referring historically to the Israelites during their captivity in Babylon 1. In the narrative of the Royal Arch, the historical sojourners represent those who returned to Jerusalem to assist in rebuilding the sacred place, led by a spokesman designated as the chief or Principal Sojourner 1.

In the English system of the Royal Arch, three officers are appointed under the title of Sojourners to fulfill these roles within the Chapter 1. Qualification for higher office in this tradition reflects their standing, as service as a Sojourner or Assistant Sojourner is among the prerequisites for eligibility to the First Principal's chair 1.

In the American system, the officer structure differs: the three historical sojourners are represented by the candidates themselves during the ceremony, while only their leader is represented by a designated officer called the Principal Sojourner 1. In that system, the Principal Sojourner functions primarily as a conductor, carrying out duties that correspond in several respects to those of the Senior Deacon in a symbolic lodge 1.